Stefani Kahookele can counter-parry like a true fencing champion — and she is only a freshman.

This feisty 4’11” winner can be found diligently working on her homework, like a typical Lowell student, or sparring outside of school. As a member of the San Francisco Fencers Club, Kahookele attends two-hour practices every weekday and three-hour practices every Saturday, leaving her with no time to spare for the typical teenage life. However, she juggles school and fencing with ease. “My homework load hasn’t gotten too heavy yet,” Kahookele said. “So far, I’ve been able to manage.”

Was it love at first first sight? Kahookele first saw fencing as an 11-year-old watching the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. After watching the professional athletes move gracefully with swift precise thrusts, she decided to sign up for a summer camp with the San Francisco Fencers Club. “It looked like fun, and I wanted to try to use the ‘sword’,” Kahookele said.

After Kahookele’s first few weeks of fencing, she found that she thoroughly enjoyed the sport. The competitive environment was a perfect fit for her. Although it only began as a mere curiosity, then a hobby, Kahookele became passionate about the sport and competed in a few local tournaments, slowly working her way up to competitions at the national level.

In October 2010, Kahookele won a title in the Women’s Division 2 tournament in Cincinnati. She proudly left her first national tournament with a bronze medal as proof of her two years of hard work.

Kahookele has faced numerous opponents that she thought she would never defeat, but her determination and passion for the sport has helped her continue to win matches. “My favorite part about fencing is definitely winning,” Kahookele said. “It’s exciting when I’m able to score a difficult point.”

Fencing requires speed, accuracy and patience. However, these factors aren’t the only qualities that make a good fencer. Height is considered a distinct advantage for the fencer. Longer limbs give a longer reach, allowing the fencer to reach an opponent more easily.

Kahookele may seem to have a disadvantage because of her height, but she uses it to her advantage by coercing the other opponent to miss. “The key to being a good fencer is being a smart fencer,” she said. “You have to be patient, and be thinking all the time.” Kahookele’s main strategy is to bide her time, defending herself and waiting until her opponent makes a mistake or gets lazy and leaves a hole open, which gives her an opportunity to strike.

Fencing may seem instinctive for Kahookele, but she has had her share of sacrifices to allow her talent to blossom. As a result of her dedication to both school and fencing, Kahookele has had to give up other activities like soccer and karate. In middle school, she was a soccer player on a recreational team, but stopped because she didn’t have the time for both sports. Soccer, which required her to depend on teammates, was far less exciting to her than fencing, which allows her to compete individually and challenges her mentally by having quick, intense bouts. As for karate, Kahookele earned the rank of black belt only a few months before she began fencing, but had to stop once she had joined SF Fencers Club.

Kahookele is not quite sure what a future in the fencing world holds for her, but she is confident that she will continue throughout high school. She plans to keep fencing, even if it’s just for fun. “I haven’t thought too far ahead yet,” Kahookele said. “The Lowell Fencing team starts this semester, so I plan on joining.” Meet this tiny fencing terror in the fencing hall with a foil, lamé and some courage. Just maybe you’ll stand a fighting chance.

A version of this article first appeared in the Feb. 25, 2011 print edition of The Lowell.